21. Develop recognition cards for your members. “You matter,” “superstar,” or “big deal” cards could be created for members to give to their colleagues when they witness positive activities both within and outside of school. The card could read: “The Association recognizes what a wonderful job you are doing putting children first.” Each time a card is awarded, the sender will write the recipient’s name on a log. At intervals throughout the year, association leaders will recognize those who have received the cards. This could take the form of a drawing for a prize, recognition in the next association newsletter, or the opportunity for the member to tell the story of their accomplishment on a video. The person who gave the card should receive recognition also. The associations should use the cards to promote a “member of the month.” A group will be formed to review the cards in order to select the “member of the month.” This could be promoted to the local media, and a plaque could be awarded to the recipient. At the conclusion of the year, special recognition could be given to all of the “members of the month” (Phillies tickets could be awarded, a dinner held, etc.). Again, the members who recognize others will receive recognition as well. Parents and community supporters could also receive big deal cards.

22. Hold monthly critical issues seminars. As an association we promote ourselves as a professional organization, so these seminars could also be used to promote how we help both new and more experienced teachers and ESP members grow professionally. As a local, a discussion could be held as to whether only members should be invited or all new staff hired within the last year. Inviting potential members could help them see the benefits of the association.

Each local should generate critical issues seminars based on its own local needs. Some possible topics include:

23. Host an association awards ceremony. This will allow you to recognize members who are really stepping up and getting involved. Some locals perform this in the month of December during their holiday parties.

This could be promoted as a "night at the Oscars" with your local association. Awards could be offered to "most active member," "most political member," etc.

24. Host a tenure celebration for members recently tenured. Here, the purpose of tenure can be explained as well as the history behind the law.

Here is a statement that local leaders could use when describing tenure:

Congratulations on earning tenure. In 1909, New Jersey became the first state to pass tenure legislation when it granted fair-dismissal rights to educators. Tenure is vital to the protection of public education. It provides you with due process procedures that protect you from arbitrary discipline or political interference. Ultimately, it gives your students the stability and consistency they need to reach their full potential.

Also, NJEA now offers a tenure certificate that you can customize and print out for your members. Check out the new certificate here under Engaging New Members:

25. Create a video series highlighting your members and their achievements. Members could be interviewed and share their experiences and opinions. Consider modeling your program after the NJEA Membership Matters video (to request a copy of this video, contact your NJEA regional office). The videos could also collect a cross view of what our members do every day as they are given more and more responsibilities to complete in less time. Upload your videos to an association YouTube channel.

• August—New member luncheon• Introductory dinner• Members rights workshop• “Knowing your contract” workshop• Newbie overnight—mini workshops & bonding, including veteran members as guest speakers• Health benefits ins & outs workshop• Goal setting workshop• Financial planning• Surviving parent conferences• Classroom management• Introduction to your PRIDE program• School budgets• Evaluation and observation• Rebuttal writing• Protecting oneself from false accusations• DYFS and child abuse• Marketing oneself as a professional• Communication skills• Dealing with difficult people• “I think I’m in Trouble”• Job security• School safety• Starting your professional portfolio• Social media dos and don’ts• Bullying in the classroom• Crisis management & violence reduction• Dealing with difficult people & conflict resolution• Drug prevention • Recognizing gang activity• Inhalant abuse• Grant writing• Stress management • Time management• Google Docs• Family Leave Act and medical benefits• The importance of a political action committee• AYP• Weingarten Rights• Sexual harassment• Privatization• Charter schools• National Board Certification• Host a "Where do I fit in" workshop for your new members. This idea came from the double-sided poster that NJEAproduced in the summer of 2012. This workshop could introduce members to the association and encourage them to get involved. Associations report success with approaching new members to work with PRIDE and social committees, among others.

Also, consider hosting “quickie” workshops on a variety of topics. These workshops could be presented during members’ lunch periods as well as before or after school. Topics could include

Consider these topics: bulletin boards, conferences, surviving your evaluation, etc. Also, do your members know that there is a chance that their Stafford Loans can be cancelled based upon the school district in which they work? Each new member should be encouraged to contact their Stafford Loan provider and ask these essential questions.

27. Many local associations sponsor social committees for their members. These help members to see the association as their “work family.” NJEA and the local will create a survey to develop the demographics.

Potential social activities could include a scrapbooking club, polar bear plunge group, trips to Yankees or Phillies games, trips to Broadway shows, a dodgeball league, etc.

An association barbecue could be hosted during the warmer months. This event must be kid-friendly to ensure good participation among members who have families. A picnic would help keep the costs down and still evoke a level of excitement in members. A 20-minute meeting with members should be held at some time throughout the day. The meeting could make use of an NJEA provided projector and laptop.

If an event is to be rolled out at another time during the year, a catering hall could be rented. Also, a movie theater could be rented and a movie shown at an association sponsored event. Two theaters within the facility could be rented for larger locals (one theater for a kids’ movie, the other for a non-child film, etc.).

It would be fun to ask newer members to facilitate (under leader’s guidance, of course) some of these events and activities. Don’t hesitate to get newer members involved wherever you can.

Other ideas for social activities:

• New member breakfast (consider inviting the head secretaries and custodians so that they can explain what they do)• Beginning of the year rally• New employee day with the board of education with information from the association that could include leaves of absence, association contracts, etc. • August pool party and BBQ• Bus tour of community• Tenure graduation party• Guest speaker: most newly tenured members• Member Panel with members from mixed experiences• Newbie/mentor dinner• Winter blahs social (February)• Themed parties with karaoke• Teacher appreciation week breakfasts, luncheons, and other activities• At the end of the year, host a fun meeting with members where they share their most memorable moment of the school year. Here you could also share closing the school year information, tips, etc.

29. Establish a member recognition/appreciation center in each of your school buildings. This designated space could offer special cards that anyone in the school community can send when someone deserves special recognition or appreciation. "Superstar," "You Matter," or "Shout Outs" cards could be offered. Feel free to develop this idea further to include contest and giveaways, etc.

30. Here is an association-sponsored workshop topic that can be added to #26.

Host a "Where do I fit in" workshop for your new members. This idea came from the double-sided poster that NJEA produced in the summer of 2012. This workshop could introduce members to the association and encourage them to get involved. Associations report success with approaching new members to work with PRIDE and social committees, among others.